The blaze was sparked by lightning June 19 and caused several evacuations and pre-evacuations across the area.

Firefighters have gained 95 percent containment of the 13,572-acre fire.

“Things are going really well. We had a shower pass through the incident command center in La Veta. The moisture is helping,” said Brian Scott, fire information officer.

Scott said while rain helped diminish the flammability of dry fuels with humidity, larger branches and trees remain just as dry as they were before the rain.

Crews were focusing on rehabilitating firelines to prevent erosion and to speed the return of plants and wildlife. Other activities Saturday included hazard tree removal along public roads and trails.

Ten handcrews, four helicopters, 28 engines, two bulldozers and 15 water tenders remain on the incident. As the containment on the fire grows, resources are slowly being released to support other incidents.

Caution is encouraged as there will be additional traffic with some of the National Guard troops heading home today.